Prolonged rains worrying factor ahead of Mohali Test: Curator

Prolonged spells of rain in the region have affected preparation of pitch at the PCA stadium here which is to host the first Test against Australia next month, its curator said in Mohali.

PCA curator Daljit Singh is worried that the pitch may lack in bounce as it used to be due to more moisture than should be at this time of the year.

"Definitely, the prolonging monsoon is a cause of worry. It has been raining heavily in the region. Time at our disposal is very less and the moisture level is high," Daljit said.

"Nobody wants a fresh wicket, but now that is what it is going to be. So far, I have only managed to have a two-hour bowl out session on the wicket on September 12," he said.

He said due to continuous downpours during most part of this month the groundstaff were unable to hold any practice matches, which are usually held before any international match.

"The trend we have seen during past 15-17 years is that in September, Chandigarh and Mohali receive light spell of monsoon rains, but not as heavy as have been this time. Now, we are keeping our fingers crossed and hope there are no further rains. A good sunshine from now on can bring us some relief," he said.

He said they have to keep the wicket covered during the night or whenever it gets cloudy, indicating that some amount of moisture would be left behind on the pitch.

Daljit, however, said that Mohali has the best equipment available for pitch preparation and they were working overtime to make the best wicket available for the October 1-5 Test.

Dry weather has prevailed here in the past two days but the Met office has forecast possibility of more showers over the coming days.

The Australian team is scheduled to arrive next week and would play a three-day practice match against Board President's XI from September 25 in Chandigarh.